Crown pre-charge screening would reduce racial profiling in Ontario: commission
The Ontario Human Rights Commission is recommending the province introduce a system that would see police consult with prosecutors before charging suspects.
It's one of 10 ways the commission says the Ontario government could reduce racial profiling and overcharging.
The framework from the human rights commission says Crown pre-charge screening is already in place in some other provinces, where charges are much less likely to be withdrawn.
It notes that Black, Indigenous and other racialized people are often overcharged.
The commission also recommends making processes for investigating allegations of officer misconduct more transparent, including mandating the release of informal discipline records and allowing police forces to share information with the public while Special Investigations Unit probes are ongoing.
As it stands, the SIU Act prevents police services from disclosing information about a case while the SIU is investigating it.
"The public should know whether a subject officer is still on active front-line duty, or has been assigned elsewhere in the service limiting interaction with the public," the commission said.
The human rights commission also suggests requiring officers to use de-escalation techniques before resorting to force.
It recommends "civilianizing" some police roles.
"Relying on officers who are armed with lethal use of force options to perform routine tasks, such as traffic enforcement and non-emergency wellness checks, diverts precious resources away from core public safety functions," the commission said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 29, 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ontario coroner to investigate death of man who suffered cardiac arrest while waiting in ER
A provincial coroner will be investigating the death of 68-year-old David Lippert, who suffered a cardiac arrest while waiting in a crowded emergency room in Kitchener, Ont.
BREAKING Toronto mayor hints that WNBA team is coming to the city, marking the first franchise in Canada
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says that she is hopeful an announcement could be made soon amid multiple reports that a WNBA team is coming to Toronto in 2026.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan
Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.
This iconic Canadian song is turning 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Federal government bans watercraft from Manitoba lake popular with tourists
The threat of zebra mussels has prompted the federal government to temporarily ban watercraft from a Manitoba lake popular with tourists.
Her SUV was stolen in Montreal. A Good Samaritan on Facebook helped her get it back
Just as she had feared, a restaurant owner from eastern Quebec who visited Montreal had her SUV stolen, but says it was all thanks to the kindness of strangers on the internet — not the police — that she got it back.
Oprah Winfrey: I set an unrealistic standard for dieting
Oprah Winfrey said on Thursday evening that she has long played a role in promoting unhealthy and unrealistic diets.